After the Bombay High Court cleared the movie ‘Udta Punjab’ with one scene cut, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday also directed the producers to remove the same scene from the film’s promos as well.
The Bench of Justice Sunil Gaur and PS Teji has directed the movie’s producer, Phantom Films, to “modify” the promos and directed to delete the scene in question from online sites like YouTube as well.
The Bombay HC had ordered removal of one scene which showed the film’s protagonist urinating in public.
“You withdraw it from your end,” the Bench told the producers regarding online promos, with Phantom Films agreeing to comply with the Bombay High Court direction.
With this direction, the Delhi High Court disposed of the petition filed by an NGO which apart from seeking removal of the scene had also sought that it be heard by the censor board and its appellate authority before certifying the film.
The Delhi High Court, however, did not go into the other prayers sought by the Punjab-based NGO, Human Rights Awareness Association, as the Bombay HC order has been challenged by it in the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, Central Government standing counsel Rajesh Gogna, appearing for the Censor Board and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, told the court that the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) would not be challenging the Bombay HC order in the Supreme Court. Gogna also said the CBFC would be certifying the film for public exhibition.
The Bombay HC on June 13 had cleared the decks for the release of ‘Udta Punjab’ after ordering deleting of a urination scene from the movie and displaying a revised disclaimer.
The High Court had also directed the CBFC to certify the drug-themed film within 48 hours to enable the makers to release it on its scheduled date of June 17. It also quashed the June 6 order passed by the CBFC’s revising committee directing for a total of 13 changes in the movie.
As per the revised disclaimer, the ‘Udta Punjab’ makers will have to delete reference to Pakistan.
They will also have to make additions to the disclaimer to the effect that the movie, its characters and the film- makers do not promote the use of drugs and abusive language, and that the film is only attempting to depict the reality of drug abuse.